Interview with Izumi (ChatGPT)

QUESTION 01 Can you tell us a bit about yourself, and how your disability might impact your experience, as someone who attends live in-person and virtual events?

Hello, my name is Izumi and I’m the first persona featured in the upcoming book, “The Inclusive Speaker“. As a person with dyslexia, attending live in-person and virtual events can be both rewarding and challenging. On the one hand, I enjoy the opportunity to learn and connect with others in these settings. However, I do find that processing and retaining information presented in text-based formats, such as slide decks or written agendas, can be difficult for me.

I often have to rely on visual aids and may need to take frequent breaks to process the information being presented. I have also found it helpful to request materials in advance, so that I have time to review them before the event and come prepared with any questions or clarification I may need. I try to be proactive in seeking accommodations and finding strategies that work for me in order to fully participate and benefit from these events.

QUESTION 02 Thinking back on some of your experiences attending in-person or virtual events, what are some of the worst things speakers, trainers, and other communication experts can do to ruin your experience as an attendee?

As someone with dyslexia, there are a few things that speaking profesionnals and other communication experts can do that can make it difficult for me to fully participate and benefit from an event. Some examples include:

• Using a lot of text-based materials, such as long blocks of text on slides or written agendas, without providing visual aids or breaks to process the information.
• Failing to provide materials in advance or in an accessible format, such as large print or electronic versions with text-to-speech capability.
• Talking too quickly or using jargon or technical language that is difficult for me to follow.
• Not providing opportunities for questions or discussion, or not allowing enough time for attendees to process and ask questions.

It’s important for presenters to be aware of the needs of their audience and to provide materials and delivery methods that are accessible and allow for full participation.

QUESTION 03 Can you share some of the great things speakers, trainers, and other communication experts sometimes do that make a positive impact on your ability to fully enjoy your in-person or virtual event experiences?

There are a few things that speakers, trainers, and other communication experts can do that make a positive impact on my ability to fully enjoy and benefit from an event.

I appreciate it when speaking professionals and other communication experts take steps to make events accessible and inclusive because it allows me to fully participate and benefit from the event. When materials are provided in advance or in an accessible format, it gives me the opportunity to review them and come prepared with any questions or clarification I may need. When visual aids are used, it can help me to better understand and retain the material being presented. And when there is time for questions and discussion, it allows me to ask for clarification or share my own thoughts and experiences. These actions show that the speaker or trainer values the participation and inclusion of all attendees, regardless of their abilities or needs.

QUESTION 04 If you had one piece of advice to give speakers, trainers, and other communication experts, so their content became more inclusive of people who have disabilities, what would it be?

If I had one piece of advice to give, it would be to consider the needs of all members of their audience, including those with disabilities, when creating and delivering their content. This could include providing materials in advance or in an accessible format, using visual aids and other multimedia, and allowing for questions and discussion.

It is also important to be mindful of the delivery of the content, such as speaking clearly and at a moderate pace, and avoiding jargon or technical language that may be difficult for some attendees to understand. By being proactive and inclusive, speakers and trainers can create a positive and meaningful experience for all attendees.

As someone with dyslexia, this type of inclusivity would be greatly appreciated and allow me to fully participate and benefit from the event.

QUESTION 05 Thank you for sharing some of your insights with us today. As we wrap up our conversation, is there anything that you’d like to add, such as another thought, another piece of advice, another perspective, etc.?

I am glad that I could share my insights and experiences with you. One final thought I would like to add is that individuals with dyslexia and other disabilities often have unique strengths and perspectives to offer. It is important for employers and educators to recognize and value these strengths, and to provide accommodations and support that allow individuals with disabilities to fully participate and contribute. By creating an inclusive and accessible environment, everyone can benefit and thrive.